PAUL Chapman thinks he has played his last game for Geelong.
The three-time premiership Cat had a productive meeting with coach Chris Scott on Friday, but the chat left the impression that he was to depart the Cattery.
"As it stands, I'm starting to think I have played my last game for Geelong. And that hurts," Chapman wrote in his weekly Geelong Advertiser column.
"But no matter what happens, I'm not going out whingeing. I'm not going out sooking."
The star Cat booted four goals in a match-winning performance against Port Adelaide in this year's semi-final, but missed the preliminary final against Hawthorn due to suspension.
Chapman detailed how the meeting with Scott transpired.
"While nothing concrete came out of the meeting, I left knowing where I stand in their eyes. The important thing is nothing is 100 per cent locked away," he wrote.
"They told me how they're building for the future and how they're looking to give young blokes opportunities.
"From that angle, it would appear there might not be a spot for me next year - a few things would have to fall my way. But there's still hope."
Chapman admits "the fire still burns" and he is likely to play elsewhere if he and Geelong part company.
"No matter the outcome, I'll need to leave my options open. Who knows what the future holds?" he wrote.
"I know the fire still burns, I still feel like I can contribute, at least for another season or two."
However, Chapman believes he will leave Geelong on good terms.
"Whatever happens, I just hope it's done with respect from both sides, which so far it looks like it is.
"How this is all handled from here will be really important.
"If I am to leave, I want to leave Geelong happy."
